Visiting Painshill Park this Christmas
Painshill Park is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year. It’s somewhere I have been visiting since I was a child, with such fond memories of going along with my family but also on school trips.
More recently, I’ve taken my own children along, walking around the lake together, enjoying picnics in the summer and loving the wildlife and landscape of Painshill that changes through the seasons.
What is Painshill Park?
Painshill is simply a masterpiece of garden design. It was originally created in the 18th century by Charles Hamilton as a living painting, inviting you to walk around a work of art full of calming waters and stunning views.
Painshill is thought of as one of the finest examples of the English Landscape Movement, a style of landscape design that has been described as Britain’s greatest contribution to the visual arts. Painshill is a fantastic day out for all the family, full of history, adventure and fun.
Located in Cobham, Surrey, Painshill is easily accessible from the local area as well as further afield and there’s plenty of car parking on site as well as tea rooms, a play area and trails to explore.
You may recognise Painshill from TV and film. I spot it often in so many things – from Bridgerton to Married at First Sight – and it’s easy to see why it would be chosen as a backdrop to so many shows. It’s a stunning place to visit.
Painshill Park at Christmas
Painshill Park at Christmas is as you would expect any outdoor attraction. It’s cold, crisp but beautiful. With accessible pathways and so much to see, Painshill park is open all year round and it’s one of our favourite places to visit in the gap between Christmas and New Year as well as in the run up to Christmas.
Painshill Park Father Christmas
This year you can’t see Father Christmas at Painshill Park, there isn’t a Christmas grotto at Painshill this Christmas. But, there are still so many festive activities to take part in or to give you an excuse to visit somewhere wonderful over the festive season.
Painshill Christmas events and experiences
Alice in Wonderland Trail
Help the white rabbit find Alice at Painshill’s Alice in Wonderland Trail this winter.
Follow the trail around the landscape and meet some familiar characters along the way.
When: November 18 2023 – January 7 2024 – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: Included with general admission/free for members.
A Christmas Lunch at Painshill
Enjoy a delicious and exquisite three-course Christmas lunch at Painshill over the festive season with your friends and family. Children are welcome – with their own two course menu. This wonderful lunch is only open to 30 people per day and you’ll be able to enjoy the Christmas decor, festive table pieces, and a Christmas cracker each too.
When: November 23 2023 – December 24 2023, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Cost: Non-member Adults £35 each, Member Adults £30 each, Children £12.50 each
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop – SOLD OUT
Sign up to make a Painshill inspired Christmas Wreath over the festive season which will brighten up your front door on dark days this winter. The two hour workshop will show you how to make a mossed wire base before adding foliage, berries and seedheads. You’ll create an evergreen wreath made from sustainably foraged and sourced materials found at Painshill, allowing you to take the beauty of the landscape home with you.
When: Thursday 30th November, Saturday 9th December and Saturday 16th December, 10.30am – 12.30pm and 2.00 – 4.00pm
Cost: £62.00 each, Painshill Member £57.00 each
Parent & Child Forest School Christmas Special
Painshill host forest school sessions throughout the year as well as this wonderful Christmas special. Parents and children will have so much fun playing together with festive games and exploring the wonderful winter woods. Make your own natural decorations from wood, pine cones and willow before cosying up round the campfire. Best suited for children aged 2-6, accompanying under 2’s go free.
When: Selected dates, December 11 2023 to December 20 2023. Morning or afternoon sessions available, 10.30am to 11.30am or 1pm to 2.30pm
Cost: £15 per child. Adults go free.
Wild Christmas Camp
A day camp for 8-11 year olds where they can get arty with natural crafts, making stocking fillers from wool, willow and wood. With tasty holiday treats cooked on the campfire and plenty of hot chocolate as well as walking in the winter wonderland of Painshill with plenty of Christmas games and outdoor activities.
When: December 18 2023 and December 19 2023, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Cost: £40 per day
So, as you can see, there’s plenty to do at Painshill over the festive season. I know we’ll be back again before too long and we’re be visiting in the spring too. It’s so lovely seeing somewhere so beautiful literally transforn with the seasons.
You can find out more about Painshill over on their website as well as all their upcoming events here. For reference, the Painshill address is: Cobham, Surrey KT11 1JE
Painshill Park looks beautiful. We have decided to do the 1000 hours outside challenge again in 2024 so this would be a great day out! Will bookmark it for when we are down your way.